Thursday, May 9, 2024

Using Canva and ChatGPT to create social media graphics


I spend a lot of time in Canva creating graphics for all of my social media. Awhile back, a social media marketing coach introduced me to ChatGPT and my brain instantly got busy with ideas of how to use it! That same social media marketing coach later taught me how to use Canva and ChatGPT to save time by bulk creating graphics and I've been using this feature ever since. (Brenda Ster is an ahh-mazing coach! If you're not following her, you should! Go search her on Facebook NOW!)
I thought I'd share it with you in case you are in the same boat I was in. I was constantly looking for ideas to create graphics for engagement in my Facebook group, pages and Instagram. I absolutely LOVE this feature and use it often. It does take some time, but it takes much LESS time than if I were to try to create individual graphics without this feature. Okay, lets get started ...

First, you need ChatGPT. It's a free online AI tool that you can access and sign up for right here ...

Once you sign up, click on the box at the bottom that says 'Message ChatGPT'. This is where you type in your request. I'm making some good morning/motivational graphics that I'll be posting every Monday. I kept it simple, but would like specific parameters ... I typed in '10 short happy monday motivational quotes. Return list with no quotation marks, no emojis, and unnumbered' If you don't include that last part, it might generate a list with emoji's, numbered, etc.

After typing your request, hit send and the list will generate instantly. If you're happy with the results, highlight and copy this list.

Next you'll need to open your spreadsheet software. (I use the free Google docs app.) Create a new sheet and copy the content into the sheet, then make sure to save it as a .csv file ...

Now you'll need a Canva account. (You can sign up for the Free version) Here's the link ...
Canva

I like using square designs, so I created a custom size design of 2000x2000 px. You can create your design whatever size you prefer.

Begin your design with a background (I used a solid color), then add any text you want (I added the good morning). Add a text box where you want your quotes to appear. And don't forget to add your watermark or logo if you have one ...

Now here's where the magic happens lol! Over on the left size of Canva, scroll until you find the Apps button and click on it. Then search for the Bulk Create button and click

Click on 'Upload Data' and navigate to where you saved your spreadsheet. Once you find it, click on Open. You'll see it added to the left of Canva ...
Now right click on the text box you added for your quotes. Click on 'Connect Data' and you'll see your list in a little pop up. Click on your list and it will be connected. You'll see the name of your list on the left hand side. Click on that, then click on continue ...
Once you continue, you'll see the list of quotes with checkmarks on them all (if they're not all checked, click select all). Once they're all selected, click on 'Generate 10 Designs' (or however many you selected)
A new window with your new design will appear. You can click at the bottom to show the designs in grid view to see all of the quotes ...
Now you can leave them as is, save them, and start using them! Or you can change them up. I decided to change the background colors and fonts for each one by using the design styles. Just click on a quote design and choose a color/font palette ...
I ended up changing all 10 of them with different colors and fonts ...
and then of course, I had to add a little element to each one. I found some simple flowers and stuff to add a little somethin' somethin' lol ...


When you're happy with your design, save them and start using them!

So, what do you think? I know it sounds complicated, but it really isn't. Once you've done it a few times, it becomes easier and quicker. Seriously, I can create these designs in minutes now ... except for when I decide to change each design with added fonts or elements lol. Sometimes that takes me forever to decide on what to add!

Here's one I did with a daily motivational theme. I created 45 of them! Yes, that was a big one and took me forever to change backgrounds, fonts, and add different elements lol

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and are able to try it yourself. If you do, I'd love for you to share with me. If you have any questions, or if I wasn't clear enough in my instruction please feel free to leave a comment below or contact me (links below)

Until next time!!

xoxo
Dawn


Thursday, May 2, 2024

Bowmanitaville Buzz: May Color Street & Stampin' Up! News and Updates

Happy May!! It's finally feels like Spring and the weather is breaking soon! It's been fairly chilly here on and off, but it looks like its going to start warming up to the 70's-80's and I cant wait!! It's been a pretty busy April for me, so I haven't had much time to post. But I have lots to tell you today!

It is going to be an Ah-MAY-zing month and I have all the updates! Brace yourselves, because Color Street and Stampin' Up! have some thrilling promotions and new products lined up to elevate your nail and crafting game! Read on ...

**All of the links are at the end of this post, or you can click on highlighted text to bring you right to the product

💅COLOR STREET💅

NEW PRODUCTS!!
  • Foot Care Bundle - I haven't received any details yet, but the preview looks like it includes a cute callous remover
  • Patriotic Collection - no details yet, but I can assume it'll be appropriate for the upcoming Summer holidays - Memorial Day, 4th of July, Flag Day, etc.
  • Summer Collection - The new Summer Collection, Retro Resort will be released Friday, May 3rd. The collection consists of 10 new shades, including Pedicures! Here's a little sneak peek ...

SPRING COLLECTION REMOVAL
 - with the new Summer Collection release, will come the removal of Pretty Tough - Spring Collection. All shades in the collection will be removed from the website on May 21st so if you've had your eye on any of them or have a favorite, get them now before they're gone for good

MAY JOIN SPECIAL - if you join Color Street during the month of May, not only will you receive an amazing collection of products for just $99, you'll also get a $50 product credit if you earn 150 PV during your first month!

MAY HOST SPECIAL - host a qualifying party during the month of May and you'll unlock the exclusive set River Fairy, a pale turquoise with magical flecks!!

💕STAMPIN' UP!💕

NEW CATALOG - The brand new Annual catalog has been released on May 1st! Oh my gosh, these new products are sooo amazing! There are way too many to show here lol, but here are a few ...
  • Two new kits! - Hello Hollyhocks and City Sights. Each kit includes everything you'll need to create beautiful cards
  • In Color Collection - In Colors are limited edition colors that are only available for 2 years. This years release (2024-2026 In Colors) are Peach Pie, Petunia Pop, Pretty in Pink, Shy Shamrock, and Summer Splash. Each of these colors are available in cardstock, ink pads, markers, blends and patterned paper and makes coordinating super easy.
  • Pocket Thoughts Bundle - includes the Pocket Thoughts Stamp Set and the Pocket Thoughts Dies. Add paper pockets on card fronts, tags, and more, and fill them with whatever you see fit! Then pair with the cute imagery and greetings from the stamp set to send family and friends personalized, heartfelt messages to make them feel loved on special occasions! (item #163553 in the catalog)
  • Designer Series Paper (patterned paper) - there are 16 new DSP collections available in the new catalog! The come in gorgeous nature, abstract, color collection (Brights, Subtles, etc) and so much more!
CLEARANCE RACK - the clearance rack has tons of retiring products at greatly reduced prices! Save up to 60% on stamp sets, embellishments, paper and more!

PAPER PUMPKIN - a crafting subscription kit that delivers creativity to your door every month. Each box includes everything you need to make a stunning project. We’ll surprise you with projects like cards, gift packaging, home décor, and more for just $25.00 a month (shipping included). Talk about happy mail! Subscribe by the 10th of the month to receive that months kit. The preview for May's kit is titled 'The Best There Is' and makes 9 cards (3 each of 3 designs) great for Fathers Day and more.

MAY JOIN SPECIAL - when you join as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator you get to choose $125 worth of ANY Stampin' Up! products. For the month of May, you will also receive the brand new 2024-2026 In Color Collection of products for FREE! You'll get Classic Ink Pads, 8 1/2"x11" Cardstock Paper, 6"x6" Designer Series Paper, and Stampin' Write Markers - in ALL 5 NEW COLORS!!! I joined Stampin' Up! in 2015 and I have never seen this deal before. If you've ever thought of joining, even as a hobby or just for the kit, now is the time to do it!!
HOSTESS REWARDS - Stampin' Rewards are the product rewards you receive based on sales. You can pick out any exclusive Hostess Products, or any products from the catalog based on your earnings. Did you know that you can earn rewards on your own order? Just place an order for $150 or more and you qualify for Stampin' Rewards! You don't even have to hold a party!


Whew, that was a lot of new things happening! As I said, it is going to be an Ah-MAY-zing month and there is so much more to come. Are you following me over on Facebook? My page and group is where I post the most up to date specials and information. If you're not following me, all of my links are below.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I appreciate it so very much. If you ever have any questions, please don't hesitate to comment below or contact me.

Until next time!
xoxo
Dawn

ALL OF MY LINKS